Bida, ADB, and Sanem hold divisional workshop in Khulna

High borrowing costs, lengthy licensing processes and unreliable utility services are stifling investment in Khulna, according to stakeholders at a recent divisional workshop, as the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority moves to establish a unified national investment database.

These concerns were highlighted at a divisional workshop on the "Survey of Industries in Bangladesh", held at City Inn Limited in Khulna yesterday (16 July).

Organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority in partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling, the workshop brought together government officials, investors, private-sector representatives and other local stakeholders.

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority-led survey, funded by the Asian Development Bank with technical support from the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling, aims to identify barriers faced by investors, support solutions and create a comprehensive database for evidence-based policymaking and investment promotion.

Director General Gazi AKM Fazlul Haque of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority chaired the workshop. Additional Divisional Commissioner Sifat Mehnaz of Khulna Division attended as chief guest, while Managing Director Md Tariqul Islam Zaheer of Achia Sea Foods Limited was present as the guest of honour.

Public Sector Economist Tasnim Alam of the Asian Development Bank Bangladesh joined the programme virtually.

Dr Selim Raihan, Executive Director of the South Asian Network on Economic Modelling and Professor of Economics at the University of Dhaka, outlined the survey's background and objectives.

He emphasised the need for participation by government agencies, non-governmental organisations and investors to develop an accurate picture of Bangladesh's industrial and investment landscape.

Tasnim Alam said Bangladesh's upcoming graduation from least developed country status would require the private sector to assume a greater role in driving economic growth.

He highlighted the need to attract more investment, reduce regulatory burdens and strengthen the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority's one-stop service. He also discussed the need for skilled workers, sustainable institutions and greater resilience to climate change.

Speaking on Khulna's industrial prospects, Managing Director Md Tariqul Islam Zaheer identified jute, sugar, shipbuilding and cold storage as sectors with long-term potential.

He noted that many industries lack access to modern technology and called for coordinated support from the government, non-governmental organisations and investors. He also advocated for environmentally responsible industrial development near the Sundarbans and stronger implementation of existing policies.

Additional Divisional Commissioner Sifat Mehnaz urged that investment and industrial support extend beyond divisional centres to the district level.

She underscored the importance of using limited land more efficiently and modernising agriculture through technology. She noted that about 30 percent of potentially exportable fruit is lost due to damage and inadequate preservation facilities, adding that more cold storage could reduce losses and protect export earnings.

Director General Gazi AKM Fazlul Haque said policymaking often relies on fragmented information, and the survey would provide a clearer picture of both domestic and foreign investment.

He said strengthening domestic investment and retaining the confidence of local investors would help Bangladesh attract more foreign investment. He urged participants to identify industries with strong growth potential in Khulna.

During the technical session, Dr Selim Raihan and Programme Director Zubayer Hossen of the South Asian Network on Economic Modelling presented a paper titled "Survey of Industries in Bangladesh: Scope, Methods and Stakeholder Cooperation".

Dr Selim Raihan said Bangladesh is simultaneously undergoing transitions in energy, technology and economic structure, making a comprehensive and interconnected investment database increasingly vital.

He identified fragmented records, data duplication, the absence of a unified database, a weak evidence base and limited institutional capacity as major shortcomings in the current investment information system.

The survey aims to develop a unified investment information system linked to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority's one-stop service portal. It comprises five workstreams: collecting investment-related data, verifying information, developing a standardised database, preparing analytical reports and policy briefs, and producing a national investment compendium.

Programme Director Zubayer Hossen said the survey will cover all major economic sectors, firm types and ownership categories across Bangladesh's eight administrative divisions. Similar workshops are planned in each division.

During an open discussion, participants raised concerns about government subsidies, licensing hurdles, electricity shortages and other utility-related problems.

They also cited inadequate access to bank financing, high interest rates, working capital constraints, collateral requirements and limited access to modern technology.

Participants identified seaweed, pearls, coconuts, coconut waste-based peat, tomatoes, mangoes, mushrooms and betel leaves as products and industries with investment potential in Khulna.

The workshop concluded with votes of thanks from Dr Selim Raihan and Director General Gazi AKM Fazlul Haque.